During WWII there was a shortage of fresh produce throughout the United States due to an overall lack of fuel for cultivating, harvesting and shipping
the produce.
Having a Victory Garden was a way of showing your support for the war effort and doing your part to help the country in its time of need. The Victory Garden, however, has seen resurgence in its popularity in recent years. In fact, some say that a home-grown revolution is taking place for many reasons.
1. Growing organic fruits and vegetables in your own backyard makes for easier access to healthy food. Imagine how easy it would be to grab all the ingredients for a quick and healthy salad instead of making a run through the nearest drive-thru when hunger hits. You could save fat grams, calories and money.
2. Gaining independence from what many call corporate food systems is another common reason for the rebirth of the Victory Garden in this country. In fact, it is also the reason for the rise in popularity Community Supported Agriculture. CSA involves direct contact between small, local growers and individuals. Instead of traveling to the Farmer’s Market to sell their produce, the food is picked fresh and delivered right to your door every week.
3. A Victory Garden can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Many people are concerned about the carbon footprint left from planting, harvesting, processing and shipping the fruits and vegetables grown in other parts of the country. Planting a Victory Garden helps reduce that impact.
4. Saving money is another great reason to implement a Victory Garden in your backyard. The cost of produce can be ridiculously high, especially when two or three children can work their way through an overpriced quart of strawberries in one sitting. Being able to simply go in your backyard for some basil with dinner or berries for dessert can really cut costs for families.
5. Growing plants in a chemical-free environment is proving to be more important than once thought but, unfortunately, the cost of organic vegetables at the store is extremely expensive for most families, unless they grow them on their own.
Whatever the motivation, Victory Gardens are great way to get fresh produce, re-connect with the land and save money. Even First Lady Michelle Obama planted a Victory Garden on the White House lawn in a gesture to encourage Americans to eat more fresh, chemical-free produce grown with their own two hands. She is the first to do so since Eleanor Roosevelt but she is committed to helping children fight the rising cases of obesity and diabetes. In fact, the First Lady’s press release stated that organic, locally grown produce is the first step to healthier eating.
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If you have a nugget or three about gardening. P.L.E.A.S.E. share them. I can certainly use them.
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